Sure! Here’s a simple and delicious cranberry juice recipe that you can make at home:
### Homemade Cranberry Juice
#### Ingredients:
– 1 pound (450g) fresh or frozen cranberries
– 4 cups (1 liter) water
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Cranberries**: Rinse the cranberries under cold water. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them.
2. **Cook the Cranberries**: In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. **Simmer**: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the cranberries simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
4. **Strain the Mixture**: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the cranberry mixture into a large bowl or another saucepan, pressing the cranberries to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
5. **Sweeten the Juice**: Return the strained juice to the saucepan. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. If using lemon juice, add it now.
6. **Cool and Serve**: Allow the juice to cool to room temperature. Transfer the juice to a jar or pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.
7. **Storage**: Store the cranberry juice in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir before serving, as natural settling may occur.
#### Tips:
– For a more intense flavor, you can add a few strips of orange zest or a cinnamon stick while simmering the cranberries.
– Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. You can also use honey or other sweeteners as desired.
– For a clearer juice, strain the mixture twice using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry juice! It’s perfect on its own or as a base for cocktails and other beverages.
